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How it all began...
In the heart of the South African township of Port Alfred, a place filled with both challenges and hope, two young women – Isabel from Germany and Andrea from the Netherlands – met an extraordinary woman named Veliswa during their volunteer service. Every day, Veliswa opened the doors of her small home, welcoming children from the streets and helping them with their education. The connection between the three women was immediate, fueled by a shared sense of purpose, the believe in the transformative power of education and a passion for empowerment and the boundless potential within every child.
We started crafting with the children by using materials we could find and turning them into upcycled art pieces. These we sold in a nearby town, and this little achievement gave us the courage to dream bigger.
Together, we saw the potential to expand Veliswa’s small care initiative into something larger – something that could benefit even more children.
Through passion and dedicated teamwork, we managed to officially register the Siyaphumelela After School Care Centre as a Non-Profit Organisation.
But it was clear, that Veliswa’s small house was too small. And so, a new mission was born: to build a small schoolhouse – a safe space where the children could receive the education and support they deserve, and where they could dream without any limits.
In December 2023, we launched our fundraising campaign.
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The journey to raise funds was long and often difficult. But with creativity, resilience, and the support of countless generous individuals, we were able to begin construction by June 2024.
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These were exciting and hopeful weeks, and we are filled with gratitude to see how far we’ve come.
The main structure of the learning centre is standing — a dream slowly taking shape — but our journey is not over yet.
We’re now working on furnishing the classrooms, adding learning materials, a few toys and sports equipment, and making sure every child receives at least one proper meal a day.
Please share our story, show your heart, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or ideas. We are incredibly grateful for your support and excited to continue this journey with you!
Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us create a safe, inspiring space where children can learn, grow, and simply be children.
